Introduction and My Story

Introduction
People of all faiths and backgrounds recognize a multitude of benefits related to NFP.  Iusenfp.com (see the external links below) is a great resource for those seeking a non-religious, non-sectarian resource for learning about and exploring NFP.  I will be teaching at my local Catholic parish and through our dioceses, but NFP is much bigger than my own experience and background.

Modern NFP is based on sound scientific research over the past 65+ years (familyplanning.net).  It has been researched and statistically proven effective the world over, regardless of education, socioeconomic situation, and culture (iusenfp.com; familyplanning.net).  It is NOT your grandmother's calendar or rhythm method!  It is the only family planning method that is all organic, allows for total self gift between partners, and seeks the dignity of man, woman, and any potential creation.  NFP is a means to greater self-knowledge, greater intimacy and greater love.

My Story
I first came to learn about NFP as I was learning about the Catholic Church.  I was a senior in high school and still very active in the Presbyterian Church.  I vividly remember the conversation between me and my Catholic boyfriend (now my husband) about what the Church teaches on contraceptives.  I was not yet sexually active, and I had never wrestled with decisions of contraceptive methods.  This may sound silly, but I suddenly was relieved that I had one less major thing to worry about!

Fast forward four years later, my then boyfriend, now fiance started going to NFP classes alone while I finished school in Massachusetts.  Is this not love?!  I will forever be grateful that he was committed to putting aside his pride, fear, or any selfish feelings he had in order to fulfill our requirements so that we could get married 6 weeks after graduation.  He was willing to go to great lengths to deepen our faith walk together and to invest in our future happiness.  His example continues to speak volumes to my mind and heart.

After nearly 9 years of marriage, we have had 6 jobs between us and moved 4 times.  We experienced the loss of my husband's father together, as a small but growing family.  I studied for a degree in Nursing.  We have 4 amazing children.  We have used 2 different NFP methods and also went through several intervals of using no method at all.  I have had my cycle only 4 out of every 10 months while we have been married, thanks to pregnancy and a naturally delayed return to fertility.  Einstein sums it up best when he says that "change is the only constant"!

More Information
Please contact me for more information about NFP.  Although I am still learning myself, I am happy to share what I know and related resources.  My goal is to listen and to be of assistance where you need it most whether that is the benefits of NFP, different methods with pros and cons, ways to find local teachers or distance learning options and more.  This is about you: your health (in body, mind, and spirit), your God-given gifts and responsibilities, and your future choices, relationships, and happiness.

If even just one of the benefits of NFP sounds attractive to you, you owe it to yourself to find out more.  This is not for my own interests, but for yours (Phillipians 2:4).  Best wishes and God bless!

Thoughts to ponder or discuss:

How has NFP blessed you in ways you couldn't imagine when you first learned about it? Or how do you imagine using NFP can benefit you?

What were your thoughts when you first came to know the Church's position on contraceptives?

What do you perceive as barriers in your life to learning about NFP?